Kennedy and Roberts square off in Medical Lake

The only City Council race in Medical Lake, Position 7, pits two long-time residents who are both very active in their community.

Don Kennedy has lived in Medical Lake the past 19 years, and is the owner of Kraton Management Company. He is a graduate of Eastern Washington University, possessing bachelors (1973) and masters (1979) degrees in geology as well as a juris doctorate degree (law) from Gonzaga University in 1991.

Kennedy lists precinct committee officer under elected experience. His community service is through Central Lutheran Church, along with the Spokane Melody Singers, Medical Lake Blue Waters, Bluegrass Festival and as a referee for youth, high school and college soccer.

Jessica Roberts community links go back to her grandfather, who opened a pharmacy in Medical Lake in the 1950s and her mother who attended all 12 years of school in the district. Also an EWU graduate, she worked for 16 years with the city of Medical Lake in the Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, Utilities and the Municipal Court. Roberts is currently working at Spokane County Superior Court, and lists youth activities through her church, the Mat Maulers Wrestling Club and West Plains Little League among her community involvement, along with other organizations including Re*Imagine Medical Lake.

Both candidates answered three questions posed to them by the Cheney Free Press.

How do you feel about the business climate in Medical Lake? Do you think it needs to change? What can the council do in this regards?

Kennedy — I feel that the business climate in Medical Lake is poor. I try to shop locally as much as possible. However, most retail customers need an incentive to shop locally. The main drawing point is “last minute” convenience. Most of us travel into Spokane often, so we commonly wait to pick up what we need at a location where there is better selection and prices. Governmental entities could do a better job at removing the impediments experienced by the small business owner.

Roberts — Small business stability is essential for a community to thrive. The current business climate in Medical Lake could be described as; partly cloudy with a good chance of sunshine beyond the clouds. With dedicated local consumers and government support our businesses currently founded in Medical Lake can succeed and grow and new small businesses can be established.

Our City Council has a responsibility to its citizens and business owners to provide stable services that are fiscally sound but can meet and evolve with the needs of our growing community. 

Do you feel satisfied with the service the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is providing in law enforcement in the city or would you like to seek alternatives? Why?

Roberts — Public Safety as a whole is always of the utmost importance. It is the obligation of the City Council to make sure that our community is being provided the best services available within our budgetary means. I look forward to being actively involved in the evaluation process and the need vs. cost analysis of our public safety departments both Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS. I will advocate for change where it’s necessary and consider ALL options available to ensure that we are meeting our fiscal responsibilities while balancing the needs of our growing community.

Kennedy —The Sheriff’s Department seems to be doing an adequate job. When we need them, they are here. Although their presence within the city is not as noticeable as when we had our own police department. 

How do you feel about local citizen’s efforts in revitalizing Medical Lake?

Kennedy — Efforts by the citizen’s to improve Medical Lake is a very good thing. Provided they get “buy-in” from the general population and that their efforts do not infringe upon the rights of others.

Roberts — Citizen effort to establish and promote the revitalization of Medical Lake is a key component to Medical Lake’s future. Local groups such as Re*Imagine Medical Lake capture the community spirit, vision and dedication to restoring small business stability and community growth while respecting Medical Lake’s rich history. Citizen groups have the ability to tap into financial resources and partnerships that government entities have limited access to. Citizen voices and ideas need to be valued and encouraged. Our community’s growth potential is dependent on the seeds we plant today.

Neither candidate is listed on the state’s Public Disclosure Commission’s website for campaign contributions.

John McCallum can be reached at [email protected].